Coach of the Wigan Warriors discusses the impact of Willie Isa, the rise of Junior Nsemba, and an update on Ethan Havard’s injury

Despite having a protracted injury layoff, Willie Isa will “continue to be an asset” to the Wigan Warriors.

Coach Matty Peet believes that the player will not fade into obscurity as a result of the ankle fracture and dislocation he sustained last Saturday against Castleford.

Peet stated at his weekly news conference, “We’ve been in touch with Willie over the phone, but there’s no real detail to give as of yet,” in reference to Friday night’s league visit by Castleford.

Naturally, we are aware that this will be a chronic injury, so we’ll give him time to recover.

“Willie is incredibly strong psychologically and has an amazing outlook on life, both inside and outside of sports.

“We’ll just need to wait for all the details to be available before gathering and devising the most effective strategy for his recuperation.

“But what I do know about Willie is he will respond the right way, apply himself correctly, and he’ll continue to be an asset to this team, this club, this group of players – whether he is available to play or not.”

At least for the near future, Junior Nsemba appears destined to take Isa’s place, and Peet thinks this is the ideal situation for the young man to advance in his development.

“Yes, absolutely…and he would have done that anyway,” Peet replied. But Junior may now get a chance to play more because of this.

Junior will be tested, but I believe he’s up to the challenge.

“Willie is a natural leader, so he will be excellent at educating and helping him with that. They benefit from each other’s excellent relationship, which they have.”

At least for the near future, Junior Nsemba appears destined to take Isa’s place, and Peet thinks this is the ideal situation for the young man to advance in his development.

“Yes, absolutely…and he would have done that anyway,” Peet replied. But Junior may now get a chance to play more because of this.

Junior will be tested, but I believe he’s up to the challenge.

Sylvester Namo’s tackle at the Jungle that resulted in Isa’s horrific injury has earned him a five-match suspension.

However, the coach of the Warriors feels that the length of the suspension was partially caused by the severity of the injury.

“I believe it most likely was,” Peet remarked. “I don’t believe the player intended for Willie to sustain that injury.

“It was clumsy, and the ban probably wouldn’t have been as harsh if Willie hadn’t been hurt.

“But I can understand why the ban was dished out, and I just think everyone wishes it hadn’t happened.”

Peet also gave an update on prop Ethan Havard’s injuries. Havard injured his hamstring in last year’s Grand Final, so he hasn’t played this season.

“Ethan is training really well,” he continued. However, he is undergoing testing to determine the strength and symmetry of the two legs, and the wounded limb is still not where we would like it to be.

We won’t take any chances with that, so we’ll probably give him a few more weeks to act on our initial statements.

“He won’t play this week or next week, but we’ll be looking for probably the week after that.”